History of OTC
History of OTC
Educational opportunities in the Ozarks took an important step forward April 3, 1990, when residents of Springfield and thirteen surrounding public school districts voted to establish a "community technical college." As the region’s new comprehensive community college, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) provided an open admission, two-year college with a focus on technical education.
With the introduction of OTC, citizens could now earn a one-year Certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.), or an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.). Word quickly spread of OTC’s commitment to small class sizes as well as its professional faculty and staff, diverse curriculum, and focus on quality.
In September 1991, with 1,198 college credit students, OTC opened its doors at Cox Medical Center North and at 815 N. Sherman in Lincoln Hall and Graff Hall, facilities that formerly housed the Graff Area Vocational Technical Center. These two buildings became the cornerstone of the OTC campus.
In 1996, Ozarks Technical Community College, on its first attempt, received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. OTC’s potential to meet the job training needs of the area became apparent. New programs were developed, and existing programs were continually revised with guidance and input from the members of the 41 programs advisory committees comprised of citizens and business and industry leaders. Since 1991, over 100,000 citizens of southwest Missouri have taken advantage of one or more of OTC’s educational services.
Enrollment grew at an annual compound rate of 16.7% between 1991 and 2004. While enrollment soared, OTC maintained a drive to ensure quality education prevails. In February 2001, OTC was given a ten year reaccreditation from the North Central Association.
With the growth rate soaring, the campus expanded to accommodate the demand for facilities. The Norman K. Myers center opened in the summer of 1997, the Information Commons in the summer of 1998, the Information Commons East in the summer of 1999, and the Industry and Transportation Technology Center in 2000. Renovation of historic Lincoln Hall was completed in 2001, after the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in May 2000. A plaque recognizing the building’s placement on the National Register and honoring it as the first Julius Rosenwald School in Missouri was unveiled in August 2004. The Information Commons West opened in 2002. The newly renovated Graff Hall reopened in the fall of 2003. The pedestrian mall was funded by a state grant and the fountain was made possible because of a gift from John Q. Hammons.
The College Today
In addition to its college credit component, OTC provides area citizens with a variety of educational options:
- High School juniors and seniors can participate in halfday job skill programs through OTC’s area vocational-technical school
- Specific training can be custom designed for business and industry at the work site
- Non-credit personal and professional enrichment courses are offered at local high schools and community centers throughout the Ozarks
- English as a Second Language classes
- Adult Education and Literacy is available to adults working toward the General Education Diploma (GED) in a variety of locations throughout the Ozarks
OTC’s comprehensive mission, focus on job-skill training, and college transfer preparation have made it a vital part of one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Missouri. During the 2004–2005 academic year, OTC served 21,956 citizens with over 9,000 enrolled in college credit classes. OTC looks to a promising and productive future as faculty, staff, and community members work together to provide the best possible educational value for all residents of the Ozarks.